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Introduction

Cell lines in continuous culture are prone to genetic drift, finite cell lines are fated for senescence, all cell cultures are susceptible to microbial contamination, and even the best-run laboratories can experience equipment failure. Because an established cell line is a valuable resource and its replacement is expensive and time consuming, it is vitally important that they are frozen down and preserved for long-term storage.

As soon as a small surplus of cells becomes available from subculturing, they should be frozen as a seed stock, protected, and not be made available for general laboratory use. Working stocks can be prepared and replenished from frozen seed stocks. If the seed stocks become depleted, cryopreserved working stocks can then serve as a source for preparing a fresh seed stock with a minimum increase in generation number from the initial freezing.

The best method for cryopreserving cultured cells is storing them in liquid nitrogen in complete medium in the presence of a cryoprotective agent such as dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO). Cryoprotective agents reduce the freezing point of the medium and also allow a slower cooling rate, greatly reducing the risk of ice crystal formation, which can damage cells and cause cell death.

Note: DMSO is known to facilitate the entry of organic molecules into tissues. Handle reagents containing DMSO using equipment and practices appropriate for the hazards posed by such materials. Dispose of the reagents in compliance with local regulations.

Synth-a-Freeze® Cryopreservation Medium is a chemically defined, protein-free, sterile cryopreservation medium containing 10% DMSO that is suitable for the cryopreservation of many stem and primary cell types with the exception of melanocytes.

Materials

Culture vessels containing cultured cells in log-phase of growth

Complete growth medium

Cryoprotective agent such as DMSO (use a bottle set aside for cell culture; open only in a laminar flow hood) or a freezing medium such as Synth-a-Freeze® Cryopreservation Medium or Recovery™ Cell Culture Freezing Medium

Protocol for Cryopreserving Cultured Cells

Video: Freezing cells

This video demonstrates the critical steps required to freeze cells while maintaining optimal cell health. We review the equipment required, how to prepare for freezing and each step performed in a careful way at the right pace to prevent damage to your cells.

The following protocol describes a general procedure for cryopreserving cultured cells. For detailed protocols, always refer to the cell-specific product insert.

Prepare freezing medium and store at 2° to 8°C until use. Note that the appropriate freezing medium depends on the cell line.

For adherent cells, gently detach cells from the tissue culture vessel following the procedure used during the subculture. Resuspend the cells in complete medium required for that cell type.

Determine the total number of cells and percent viability using a hemacytometer, cell counter and Trypan Blue exclusion, or the Countess® Automated Cell Counter. According to the desired viable cell density, calculate the required volume of freezing medium.

Centrifuge the cell suspension at approximately 100–200 × g for 5 to 10 minutes Aseptically decant supernatant without disturbing the cell pellet.

Resuspend the cell pellet in cold freezing medium at the recommended viable cell density for the specific cell type.

Dispense aliquots of the cell suspension into cryogenic storage vials. As you aliquot them, frequently and gently mix the cells to maintain a homogeneous cell suspension.

Freeze the cells in a controlled rate freezing apparatus, decreasing the temperature approximately 1°C per minute. Alternatively, place the cryovials containing the cells in an isopropanol chamber and store them at –80°C overnight.

Transfer frozen cells to liquid nitrogen, and store them in the gas phase above the liquid nitrogen.

Guidelines for Cryopreservation

Following the guidelines below is essential for cryopreserving your cell lines for future use. As with other cell culture procedures, we recommend that you closely follow the instructions provided with your cell line for best results.

Freeze your cultured cells at a high concentration and at as low a passage number as possible. Make sure that the cells are at least 90% viable before freezing. Note that the optimal freezing conditions depend on the cell line in use.

Freeze the cells slowly by reducing the temperature at approximately 1°C per minute using a controlled rate cryo-freezer or a cryo-freezing container such as “Mr. Frosty,” available from NALGENE® labware (Nalge Nunc)

Always use the recommended freezing medium. The freezing medium should contain a cryoprotective agent such as DMSO or glycerol (see What is Subculture?).

Always use sterile cryovials for storing frozen cells. Cryovials containing the frozen cells may be stored immersed in liquid nitrogen or in the gas phase above the liquid nitrogen (see Safety Note below).

Always wear personal protective equipment.

All solutions and equipment that come in contact with the cells must be sterile. Always use proper sterile technique and work in a laminar flow hood.

Safety Note: Biohazardous materials must be stored in the gas phase above the liquid nitrogen. Storing the sealed cryovials in the gas phase eliminates the risk of explosion. If you are using liquid-phase storage, be aware of the explosion hazard with both glass and plastic cryovials and always wear a face shield or goggles.